Capital is at risk and returns are not guaranteed. These are fixed-term bonds and are not readily realisable. Investments are not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Learn more.

Can millennials shape the future of impact investing for the better?

Of
all the generations we have given names to (baby boomers, silent generation,
Gen X), Millennials are the most likely to get an unfair reputation. Most 22-37 year-old have grown up with the
instant gratification that technology advances have brought and have often been
dubbed as lazy or over-indulged. However, the tech savvy Millennials are not only the largest generation so far, they are also the most ethically-minded. This is presumably down to the fact that they are much better informed about social and environmental issues than previous generations, but it also means they are happy to put their money where their mouth is in helping to shape a more ethical future.

Perhaps understandably, a 2016 Facebook study
of those aged 18-34 found that 92% of those surveyed do not trust financial
institutions when it comes to handling their money. They grew up in a recession
and have lived with the mistakes previous generations have made.The very fact that many of this generation is unlikely to own their own home or hold a mortgage means they may be looking for alternative ways to invest and make an impact with their finance. Often disillusioned with the political system, many see how they use their money as having a much more powerful voice in driving change than how they vote.

Sectors to consider

Investment in renewable energy, community and
social change, social enterprises and ethical startups come high on the list of
preferences. Basically, they are
motivated to invest their money into a business or project that will have a
positive impact – be it social or environmental - as well as generating a
potential financial return.

Energise Africa (an initiative launched by two
of Europe’s leading social investing platforms Ethex and Lendahand) is proving
to be attractive to some millennial investors because:

you can invest from as little as £50

you can benefit from tax-free potential returns by investing via an Innovative Finance ISA, and

the impact of your investment and the solar energy access provided to African families is clearly demonstrable and transparent.

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Directly impacting the lives of individuals

Patience’s business has benefitted
significantly as a result of a pay-as-you-go solar system from SolarNow which
was installed in her shop in rural Uganda. Not only does she get clean,
reliable and affordable energy, but it means she can now sell refrigerated food
and drinks and stay open for much longer - increasing her profit and helping
her support her young family.

James Harman, an Energise Africa Millennial
investor, is particularly motivated make his money do good because…."It’s not often you get the chance to help
save the planet at the same time as reducing poverty in some of the world’s
most disadvantaged countries. It’s even rarer to do this while potentially
earning a healthy return on investment!”

“Energise Africa is a truly excellent
opportunity to actually do some good in the world."

There are risks involved in investing for
direct impact; however, with potential returns of up to 6%, our investors
balance these up and believe this is a positive way to invest their money for
good. Investors should note that as
with all investment, capital is at risk and returns are not guaranteed.

Matt Boxall, another Energise Africa millennial
investor, wants to make his money have purpose because…

"I feel this investment is one of my most
influential effects on shaping the world around me and can be more powerful
than our democratic system in shaping our future. Investing through Energise Africa makes
charity an astute financial decision rather than a philanthropic gesture.”

While theories abound about what makes the
millennial generation tick, one thing is clear: They are changing the investing
landscape, and to us, it looks to be for the better.

With support from our 1000+ strong investor
community (including a significant number of millennials) – this is definitely
true. Energise Africa has raised £3.6 million since we launched over 7 months
ago which is helping to enable solar companies provide 150,000 people with
access to clean energy in Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique and Uganda.

Capital is at risk and returns are not
guaranteed. These are fixed-term bonds, and funds cannot be withdrawn until the
end of the term. Please read the full risk warning on https://www.lendahand.co.uk/risk before deciding to invest.

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Thank you.

Investing on energiseafrica.com involves risk, including the
loss of all of your capital, illiquidity (the inability to sell assets quickly
or without substantial loss in value), and it should be done only as part of a
diversified portfolio.

Never invest more than you can afford to lose and never
make investment with borrowed monies.
Investment opportunities on this platform are targeted solely at
investors who understand these risks and for whom such investments are
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recommendations regarding investment opportunities, and any investment decision
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risks associated with the products offered on this platform.

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is an appointed representative of Share In Ltd, which is
authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 603332).